ARDA says farewell to long time board member and welcomes new directors

Over the last 12 years, the Antigonish Regional Development Authority (ARDA) has gone through many changes and has really evolved into an organization that facilitates positive change in the community.

This has been accomplished by the great leadership of its board of directors and chair; in particular the dedication and commitment of George Lerikos. George has been a member of ARDA’s Board of Directors for 12 years and has recently finished a four year run as chair.

“Without a doubt George has been a great asset to ARDA and the community of Antigonish,” says Gerry Grant, ARDA’s Executive Director. “He had a great vision for this RDA, a thorough understanding of the RDA system, and really cares about his community and its development.”

George, owner of the Lobster Treat Restaurant, was first asked to join ARDA’s board to represent the tourism sector and over the years has been a part of many community initiatives. When asked what projects he is the most proud of he mentions two in particular; bringing broadband to Antigonish as it was a project ARDA was involved in from start to finish and ARDA’s new website because of the professional image it portrays to the world.

“I truly feel ARDA is one of the strongest RDA’s in the province,” he says. “Our strength has always been community development and building community capacity. I believe it’s the small projects that make the most difference. I think helping communities like Havre Boucher, St. Joesph’s, Maryvale, and Arisaig with smaller initiatives have a larger impact than the big projects.”

Taking on the role of chair is Sally van de Wiel who has been ARDA’s vice-chair for nearly six years. From her experience at the Bergengren Credit Union and her broad range of community involvement, including 4H and having a family business, Sally has plenty of leadership experience. Greg Lukeman from St. Francis Xavier University also steps into a new role as vice-chair. Besides George, ARDA is also saying farewell to Ralph Mattie from Tracadie who has been a director on ARDA’s board for four years.

“The new executive has great promise,” says George. “There is great leadership around that table. The group is dynamic and they know what they want to accomplish especially with the four projects that are on the go right now; the gateway plan for the new highway, the wayfinding and signage project, the long-term planning for the exhibition grounds, and the social media project to market Antigonish.”

Joining the board are two new members; Darren Thompson and Shannon Stephenson. Darren has been employed at Strait Area Physiotheraphy for 10 years and is the president of the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club. Shannon has a law practice on Main Street Antigonish and for the past 15 years has been CEO and president of High Crest Enterprises which owns and operates five long-term care facilities across the province.

“We’re very excited to have two new faces around the board table,” says Gerry. “Shannon and Darren will be great assets to ARDA’s team.”

At ARDA’s annual general meeting last Monday, it was hard not too notice the bittersweet emotion that came with George’s parting.

“I leave proud of what we have accomplished,” he says. “But I also leave with a sad heart because I’ve really enjoyed being part of ARDA and they’re working on some great projects this year. I was very happy to serve on the board. As a resident and business owner I believe it was my responsibility to give back to the community and it has been a very rewarding experience.”